All things considered, not a bad turnout for a 25 mile route. I'd say about 35.

The always color coordinated Scott Billman sold his red bike, a 6 pound heavier one for this Trek, Project One version so the 6 pound loss compelled him to ride with the Riveters.

While Cookie Lady missed the last week's group photo, she made it to this week with Peggy and Milt. I have been unaware of the important role Milt plays in the confounding calculus of route decision making. Rick talks to Milt, Milt calculates the daylight minutes and maximum miles available and then Rick chooses the route. I officially nominate Milt to be next year's ride leader, assuming Rick's absences indicate he has abdicated the throne.

Prior to tonight's ride, the women in front coasted to me and asked if I was the C ride leader!?!?! I told her I completely understand why she might think so but no, it was not I. The usual C ride leader is touring wineries in CA so right now I wish I were him. I rounded up the group leaders and bade the Riveters farewell. A small group that included rarely seen Rich Lewis. Not sure what were Rich's expectations but like so many, the Riveters chewed for awhile before spitting him out the back.

Our large A group rolled out with some former Riveters including French Climbing Machine in our midst. Around 22 of us plowed a furrow east.....

...via 161 into Alexandria. With a head wind from the east, we arrived with just a bit over a 22mph avg. Then we hit Jersey Mill where Paul Djupe took over and set a torrid pace. I slotted in behind a tall dude to maximize drafting, of course. Unfortunately, he dropped out but I was able to cover the gap and kept churning. Then Mick and another guy dropped out creating a 2 person gap which I filled with great difficulty, pulling in behind Logan. I was of course, gassed and after a few pedal strokes, had to drop out too. Fortunately, I was close enough to the 310 crossover that I could reengage with the group who had eased up a bit. With the tailwind, even dropping out of the draft, I still hit a Strava PR for the climb so that says something about the influence of the wind. We approached the left turn on Beaver and I could see Paul sprinting up the ramp as I was braking to make the turn. I had a sinking feeling and sunk back too far to cling with the group. I soloed for awhile before caught by Ian and Eric and we finished together with a 22.3 avg. Meantime, the Riveters finished with an average over 23.